Save Article

Eyes on the Consumer

By

Mark Gongloff The Wall Street Journal Online

Updated Jan. 4, 2006 1:04 p.m. ET

Many economists are pinning their 2006 forecasts for U.S. economic growth on active spending by businesses. But consumers are still the 800-pound gorilla of the economy, and their spending was so-so in December, according to new reports.

Consumer spending on automobiles and parts makes up about 4% of the total U.S. economy, and it was sluggish in December. Ford said its vehicle sales fell 9% in December from a year ago, while Chrysler said its sales fell 4.9%. The top U.S. auto maker, General Motors, was expected to report...